Kewell's contract hope

The Australian international is out of contract at the end of the season and has had no indication from Rafael Benitez that he is to be offered a new one. Indeed, the Liverpool boss has allowed Kewell to join up the Aussie squad on the other side of the world despite it being a key period in the Reds' season. Kewell is still hopeful of winning a new deal however.

"I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm still fighting for another one at Liverpool. I've got the Aussie spirit of never say die and I'll take that all the way to the end. I won't give up until the final whistle," he said.

"The best thing for me is to get some games so I can be fighting fit for Liverpool. There's a chance here to play two games and the manager was very happy for me to come across.

"I've just got to play football. I've been through some good times and bad times and I've realised now that I just want to enjoy my football. That's the important thing."